First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
alacrity
noun alac·ri·ty \ə-ˈla-krə-tē\
: a quick and cheerful readiness to do something
Full Definition of ALACRITY
: promptness in response : cheerful readiness <accepted the invitation with alacrity>
— alac·ri·tous \-krə-təs\ adjective
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Examples of ALACRITY
- Surely one of the most striking features of human dynamics is the alacrity with which those who have been oppressed will oppress whomever they can once the opportunity presents itself. —Randall Kennedy, Atlantic, May 1997
- Every Disney worker I spoke to, from ticket sellers to gardeners sprucing up already-immaculate flower beds, knew the answer to my questions and responded with smiling alacrity. —Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 1990
- … when he entered the drawing room before dinner, the buzz of discussion was high between Tom, Maria, and Mr. Yates; and Mr. Rushworth stepped forward with great alacrity to tell him the agreeable news. —Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814
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Origin of ALACRITY
Latin alacritas, from alacr-, alacer lively, eager
Related to ALACRITY
- Synonyms
- amenability, gameness, goodwill, obligingness, willingness
ALACRITY Defined for Kids
alacrity
noun alac·ri·ty \ə-ˈla-krə-tē\
Definition of ALACRITY for Kids
: a cheerful readiness to do something <He accepted the challenge with alacrity.>
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